By Walter Ang
Feb. 6, 2012 and Feb. 13, 2012
Philippine Daily Inquirer
"AITP stays true to its intent of making art more accessible by taking it out of the hushed, intimidating confines of the gallery, and bringing it to the unrestricted spaces of the outdoors," says Trickie Colayco-Lopa, who is co-chairing the event with Lisa Ongpin-Periquet.
Taglined as "an affordable art fair," exhibitors include a mix of galleries, art groups and fine arts schools, all sharing the space that's home to the Saturday Salcedo Organic Market.
From 12 exhibitors in the fair's inaugural year in 2006, this year will have more than forty exhibitors with varied works: paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, among others.
Art for a cause
"AITP has become a much-awaited event in Manila's art calendar. Last year, we drew a crowd of 4,000 people for the one day event."
"We expect more to come this year. The fair opens at 2pm. We're extending the hours until midnight."
"Due to the demand for bigger pieces, we are increasing the price ceiling to P30,000.00, but as in the past, most of the pieces are reasonably priced way below our price ceiling."
Credit card terminals will be available at the fair.
Art In The Park is organized by the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, where Lopa and Periquet are trustees. The foundation's different programs generate support for the National Museum and its network.
Proceeds from previous AITP fairs have resulted in the construction of a room in the National Museum showcasing four Carlos Francisco (aka Botong) murals. The murals were created for the Philippine General Hospital but, due to conservation concerns, have since been transferred to the museum.
Different kinds of art
The fair is a convenient way to see works by established, emerging and new artists all in one place.
This year, art toys gallery Secret Fresh joins the fair for the first time, selling limited edition pieces by local artists.
Also on sale will be a video installation by Ivan Despi and Pauline Vicencio-Despi titled "Babel," which Lopa describes as "a kaleidoscope of body parts." Periquet adds, "It's riveting and cleverly put together."
As has become tradition, the fair also features installations by guest artists. Previous installations have included sculptor Leeroy New's wrapping one of the park's trees with orange plastic tubing and sculptor Pete Jimenez's scrap metal sculptures.
This year, Bacolod artist Charlie Co will create an installation with life-size figures based on one of his paintings. New returns to show his wearable sculptures.
Fun
"There's no pressure to buy, a lot of people come just to hang out," says Periquet.
There will be musical performances by jazz quartet Soulful Mood and hegalong (two-stringed T'boli boat lute/guitar) advocate Diwa de Leon (2011 Cinemalaya Best Sound and Best Musical Score trophies for Auraeus Solito's "Busong").
Refreshments will be available from Straits Wine Company, Window's Café, Nic's Bakeshop, Golden Spoon, and Rafik Shawarma.
A few feet away from the park, The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences will host an exhibit of TV personality Kim Atienza's personal collection of paintings.
Contact 404-2685 or visit www.museumfoundationph.org.
Also published online (Feb. 13, 2012 installment only):
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/34675/more-art-in-the-park-feb-18